EQ3 managing water supplies- Israel desalination Flashcards
What is the primary purpose of desalination plants and how do they work? (israel desalination)
-To convert sea water into drinking water
-Desalination plants use a process that involves pushing saltwater through membranes with microscopic pores.
What conditions contribute to making water a precious asset in the Middle East? (israel desalination)
-Arid conditions, population growth, and poor infrastructure
-These factors create significant challenges for water availability in the region.
What significant water issue did Israel face a few years ago? (israel desalination)
-Worst drought in 100 years with water reserves approaching the red line
-This situation highlighted the critical need for effective water management.
What has changed in Israel’s water situation since the drought?
Israel now has a surplus of water
This change is attributed to various water management strategies, including desalination.
What combination of techniques contributed to Israel’s water revolution?
National campaign to conserve water, reuse dwindling water resources, and new desalination plants
-low flow toilets and showerheads
-These strategies collectively improved water availability.
What happens to the recaptured water that goes down the drain in Israel? What is a negative of this?
It is used for irrigation
-This practice contributes to sustainable water usage in agriculture.
-But there are concerns that there are still harmful substances like salts and heavy metals.
Fill in the blank: Desalination plants are used to convert _______ into drinking water.
sea water
What % of water does israel produce compared to how much it consumes? (israel desalination)
Israel produces 20% more water than it consumes.
What irrigation method was invented in Israel in the late 1950s? How effective was it?
Drip irrigation was invented in Israel in the late 1950s.
-Is 50% more effective than conventional sprinkler irrigation.
What is the most effective desalination technology developed by the US/Israel?
-Reverse osmosis is the most effective desalination technology, meeting 60% of demand.
What did the increased cost of water cause? (israel desalination)
The increased cost of water for farmers has forced them to turn increasingly to brackish water.
Brackish water is saltier than freshwater but less salty than seawater.
What health and environmental challenges are associated with desalination? (israel)
The push towards desalination has created health and environmental challenges, including salt and chemicals being dumped back into the seas.
What is a potential health risk associated with desalinated water?
Desalinated water may lack key minerals, such as magnesium, which could increase the risk of heart disease.
What is a concern regarding the energy consumption of desalination plants? (israel desalination)
Desalination plants have high-energy consumption, with each plant having a different energy source.
What is a pro of Israel’s water management?
Israel has a new and reliable source of water, reducing dependency on rainwater.
